Having a reliable IT support provider is essential for any business to ensure continuity and security. Taking the time to choose the right provider is incredibly important as this can have a huge impact on both productivity and efficiency within your business. In this blog post we are going to explore some of the key factors to consider when choosing an IT support provider for the needs of your business. 

Assess Your Business Needs & Goals 

Before engaging with an IT provider, you need to have a think about exactly what your company needs from an IT point of view. Take the time to assess your current IT infrastructure and identify any bottlenecks or pain points that need addressing. Here are a few questions to get you started: 

• Do you need assistance with day-to-day IT issues, or a more holistic IT strategy? 
• Is security something you need help with, do you hold a lot of sensitive data within the business?
• Do you need help with specific technologies, such as cloud migration? 

By spending time to think about your overall goals, you will be able to target IT providers that align with your business, helping to save you valuable time. 

Consider The IT Services You Require 

IT support providers vary when it comes to the services they provide. Some are more niche, and others provide full-scale, managed IT services. Here are a few of the core services that your new IT support provider should offer as a minimum: 

• Remote and on-site support – reducing downtime in a business is essential, so IT providers should offer both remote and on-site support to help address any issues efficiently. 
• Cybersecurity solutions – cyber threats are always on the rise, so staying ahead of these new trends is a must, along with robust security measures. 
• Cloud services – cloud solutions can provide a whole new level of flexibility, so look for an IT provider who has expertise in this area. 
• Data backup and disaster recovery – look for an IT support provider who can look after your sensitive data and be able to get your business up and running quickly should a disaster strike.
• Network support – strong network performance and uptime are essential for any business to operate efficiently.

Evaluate The IT Support Provider’s Knowledge

Every business has unique requirements when it comes to IT support, but if you can find a provider that has experience within your specific industry that can be a game changer. They will have the industry knowledge to understand exactly what your business needs from an IT perspective. Have a look at the case studies on IT support provider websites as this will give a good indication as to their level of expertise. Also consider how long they have been within the IT industry, as a longer track record often indicates a stronger depth of knowledge.

Check Response Times and SLAs

There is nothing worse than having long periods of downtime within a business, as not only can this impact productivity but it can also be incredibly expensive. When technical issues arise, you need to know that your IT support provider will do everything in their power to get you back up and running quickly. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are key here as they outline the expected response times and resolution times. This contract should also specify whether IT support is available 24/7 or only during business hours.

Understanding Security Practices

Data security should be at the forefront of every IT support provider’s mind, particularly with ever-increasing cyber threats. Your IT partner should have comprehensive security practices in place to protect all of the data within your business. Look for providers that offer the following services:

• Regular security audits: this will help to identify any vulnerabilities within your current systems.
• Endpoint protection: ensures that all devices connected to your network are secure. 
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): adds a layer of security beyond just adding passwords. 
• Real-time threat detection: for immediate responses to suspicious activities or breaches.Choosing an IT support provider is an investment in the future of your business, so time should be spent assessing potential providers. An ideal company will not only resolve your IT issues but be proactive, and advise you on the best measures to help harness technology for growth.If you would like to find out more about how ECL can help support your business, why not call our team of experts on 01268 575300, or email us at info@ecl.co.uk to see how we can help.